Applying to an Advanced Certificate

Before applying for an Advanced Certificate, you should first carefully consider which certificate is right for you.

Application Procedure for IDC Students

If you are in your last semester of the Certificate Program in Technical Communication, or have already completed the Certificate in Technical Communication, you are eligible to apply for an advanced certificate. Submit a portfolio reflective of your work with a description of the audience, purpose, and your role in creating each product.

Application Procedure for Non-IDC Students

If you hold an graduate certificate or Master's degree in technical communication or related field from another university, you can apply to one of the advanced certificates in IDC.

To be eligible to apply, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited school, an appropriate academic record, and acceptable writing ability.

• Complete an application for graduate admission to SPSU. You can download a printable application and mail it in along with the $20 non-refundable application fee. Or, you can set up an online account and apply over the internet.
• Submit a portfolio reflective of your work with a description of the audience, purpose, and your role in creating each product.
• Request one official transcript to be sent from each college or university attended.
• Waive the Certificate of Immunization. Download this form and sign the waiver at the bottom.
• Three signed letters of recommendation written on letterhead
  The references should be from supervisors, clients, professors, or professional colleagues who can write about your work or academic record. Each letter should be in a sealed envelope with the writer's signature placed over the seal. You are to personally mail or deliver the envelope to our office or have the reference mail the letter.
• Application Essay
  This essay should discuss identify your career goals and explain how the Advanced Certificate program will help you meet them.
• Professional Resume
  This professional resume should show current and past work experience.

The Graduate Review Committee may, at its discretion, request additional information to help it review your application, including the possibility of an on-campus interview with a member of the committee.

You may also send additional information that you feel would be useful to the committee in evaluation your application, including, for example, your professional portfolio.

International Students

International students who do not possess a baccalaureate degree from a college in the United States must submit (1) an official English-translated transcript of college-level education, (2) the TOEFL scores, and (3) an affidavit indicating financial security.

For more information

Contact Donna McPherson at 678-915-7202.